Resources
Everyone deserves access to care, information, and support without shame, judgment, or punishment. This page includes resources for overdose prevention, safer nightlife, substance use support, mental health, crisis support, and community care.
If this is a medical emergency, call 911.
Downloadable Guides
Naloxone & Overdose Response
How to recognize an opioid overdose, administer naloxone (Narcan), and keep someone safe until help arrives.
Download PDFDrink Spiking Prevention & Response
Signs of drink spiking, how to help someone who may have been drugged, and steps to stay safer at bars, clubs, and events.
Download PDFBoston Resource List
Harm Reduction Programs
AHOPE
Free syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, overdose prevention training, drug checking (fentanyl/xylazine), HIV/Hep C testing, referrals to treatment. Walk-in: 774 Albany St, Boston, M–F 7:30am–3pm (closed 12–1pm).
PAATHS
Connects people to withdrawal management ("detox"), medication for opioid use disorder, and outpatient treatment. Walk-ins at 774 Albany St.
Boston Public Health Vending Machines / Naloxone Kiosks
24/7 low-barrier access to naloxone, sterile syringes, fentanyl/xylazine test strips, and hygiene supplies at sites around the city.
Mental Health & Crisis Services
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)
Free, 24/7 clinical triage and connection to care — no insurance required. 200+ languages.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 free, confidential crisis support and suicide prevention.
BMC Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) / BEST Team
24/7 mobile crisis intervention, same-day walk-in urgent mental health/substance use visits (617-414-5470), crisis stabilization. 85 East Newton St, Boston.
Samaritans Statewide Helpline
24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone in crisis or struggling.
Housing & Basic Needs
Pine Street Inn
Emergency shelter, nighttime street outreach, meals, recovery support, permanent supportive housing, job training.
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Medical, mental health, and substance use care specifically for people experiencing homelessness; street outreach.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Shelter, drop-in support, and services for homeless and at-risk youth. 47 West St, Boston.
Domestic Violence & Survivor Support
SafeLink (Statewide DV Hotline, run by Casa Myrna)
Crisis support, safety planning, real-time shelter availability across Massachusetts.
Casa Myrna
Boston's largest DV shelter and survivor services provider — emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, housing assistance.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
Free, confidential support for survivors of sexual violence, ages 12+, and their friends/family.
The Network / La Red
Survivor-led support for LGBTQ+, kink, and polyamorous communities experiencing partner abuse — hotline, safety planning, support groups, transitional housing, Safehome emergency stays.
LGBTQ+ Support
Fenway Health
LGBTQIA+-centered primary care, behavioral health, gender-affirming care, Violence Recovery Program (counseling/advocacy for survivors of violence).
BAGLY (Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth)
Youth-led peer support, drop-in community center, housing assistance, healthcare access for LGBTQ+ youth.
Boston GLASS
Community support, mental health counseling/case management, peer support, free HIV/STI testing and PrEP for LGBTQ+ youth of color.
Trans Lifeline
Peer support hotline run by trans people for trans/questioning people; will not initiate non-consensual emergency dispatch.